FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Ash Laser Cleaning
Ash's real strength is its outstanding shock resistance and thermal stability, which we've seen enables precise laser cleaning to revive fine details in heritage woodwork and instruments without surface charring or structural weakening.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorptivity
0.85
0.7
0.85
0.95
Absorption Coefficient
5e5
m⁻¹
1e5
5e5
1e6
Laser Damage Threshold
10
J/cm²
5
10
20
Thermal Shock Resistance
1.5
MW/m
0.5
1.5
3
Reflectivity
0.1
0.05
0.1
0.2
Thermal Destruction Point
550
K
500
550
600
Vapor Pressure
100
Pa
10
100
1,000
Thermal Destruction
573
K
226
573
642
Laser Reflectivity
0.08
dimensionless (fraction)
0.02
0.08
0.44
Thermal Expansion
3.2e-5
1/°C
1e-6
3.2e-5
5.8e-5
Thermal Conductivity
0.15
W/m·K
0.04
0.15
0.4
Specific Heat
1,380
J/(kg·K)
1.3
1,380
1,554
Laser Absorption
0.82
0.78
0.82
3.4e5
Ablation Threshold
1.1
J/cm²
0.51
1.1
2.6
Ash Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Fracture Toughness
0.36
MPa√m
0.26
0.36
2
Density
670
kg/m³
0.4
670
955
Oxidation Resistance
290
°C
0.1
290
549
Youngs Modulus
12.8
GPa
3.3
12.8
1.1e4
Hardness
5,870
N
399
5,870
1.3e4
Compressive Strength
69
MPa
20
69
80
Tensile Strength
115
MPa
9.5
115
209
Flexural Strength
96.5
MPa
19.1
96.5
148
Corrosion Resistance
0.75
0
0.75
4.7
Porosity
0.6
fraction
0.39
0.6
0.79
Laser Damage Threshold
24.7
J/cm²
0.0025
24.7
5.4
Thermal Destruction
573
K
226
573
642
Laser Reflectivity
0.08
dimensionless (fraction)
0.02
0.08
0.44
Thermal Expansion
3.2e-5
1/°C
1e-6
3.2e-5
5.8e-5
Thermal Conductivity
0.15
W/m·K
0.04
0.15
0.4
Specific Heat
1,380
J/(kg·K)
1.3
1,380
1,554
Laser Absorption
0.82
0.78
0.82
3.4e5
Ash surface magnification
Before Treatment
Under 1000x magnification, the ash wood surface appears covered in thick, uneven layers of dark grime. Fine particles and debris cling tightly to the rough fibers and fill tiny cracks. This contamination obscures the natural texture completely.
After Treatment
After laser treatment at 1000x magnification, the ash wood surface reveals smooth, exposed fibers without any residue. Clean lines emerge where grime once hid, restoring the material's original evenness. The treatment uncovers a uniform, detailed structure.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Unknown
EPA Clean Air Act Compliance
Ash Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: How does laser cleaning restore the natural grain of aged Ash wood?
A: Preserves light color and patterns. Laser cleaning gently ablates surface contaminants like dirt, varnish, or smoke residue from Ash wood without harming the underlying grain. This non-contact approach typically preserves the wood's light color and prominent patterns, uncovering its original beauty in 10-20 minutes per panel—pretty ideal for antique furniture restoration.
Q: What are the risks of using laser cleaning on Ash wood prone to warping?
A: Low-power pulses prevent micro-cracks. Yeah, laser cleaning works pretty safely on Ash wood when handled right. It typically dodges the moisture that worsens warping, unlike old methods. Still, too much heat risks micro-cracks; experts advise low-power pulsed lasers plus close monitoring to avoid that, preserving the wood's flexibility for lasting strength.
